On July 31, 2020, I had the unique pleasure of participating in a groundbreaking artistic event at Quaint Bangkok, located in the heart of Sukhumvit 61. “The Four Seasons” brought together an eclectic group of visual artists and musicians to reinterpret Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless violin concerti, each section devoted to a different season.

Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” is celebrated for its beautiful composition and pioneering role in what is now known as program music—music that tells a story. Written around 1716-1717, this series of concerti is accompanied by sonnets that vividly describe scenes from each season, ranging from singing birds and flowing creeks to buzzing flies and winter storms. This performance, however, was no ordinary classical music concert. It was an ambitious fusion of classical sounds with contemporary visual art, offering both auditory and visual narratives that delved deep into societal issues and human behaviours.

As one of the four visual artists selected for this event, I was tasked with creating visuals for “Spring.” My installation aimed to challenge and provoke thought by juxtaposing natural beauty against the backdrop of urban development. The content I projected consisted of nature-themed posters, cleverly designed to mask the construction sites and pollution that are often hidden behind superficial “green” initiatives—a critique of greenwashing practices in modern society.

Moreover, the project took a playful yet poignant look at recent global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlighted how mundane commodities, like toilet paper, became bizarrely valuable—a commentary on human behaviour during times of panic and scarcity.

Each artist brought their unique perspective to their assigned season, making the event a rich tapestry of creative expression:

  • Kathy Macleod interpreted “Summer” with her distinctive illustrations that danced vividly with Vivaldi’s energetic melodies.
  • Trystand, taking on “Fall,” used 3D animation to depict the gradual decay and transformation that characterizes the season.
  • Cedric Arnold‘s portrayal of “Winter” was hauntingly beautiful. It captured the stark yet serene essence of the cold through powerful videography of negatives being destroyed by acid..